GV4H4 Half Unit
Foundations of Political Theory
This information is for the 2022/23 session.
Teacher responsible
Professor Kai Spiekermann and Dr Zeynep Pamuk
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Political Theory. This course is not available as an outside option.
Course content
This course provides an introduction to the philosophical and methodological foundations of political theory. It aims to give participants a conceptual toolbox that can be brought to bear on many different substantive problems and research questions in political theory and neighbouring fields. The course introduces some central methodological debates in contemporary political theory, explores the links between political theory and related disciplines, and familiarises students with different approaches to political theorising.
Teaching
This course provides a combination of lectures, seminars, and other activities totalling 25 hours in Michaelmas Term.
There will be a reading week in MT Week 6.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce 1 essay in the MT.
Indicative reading
David Leopold and Marc Stears (eds.) (2008) Political Theory: Methods and Approaches (Oxford: Oxford University Press); Adrian Blau (ed.) (2017) Methods in Analytical Political Theory (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press); John S. Dryzek, Bonnie Honig and Anne Phillips (eds.) (2008) The Oxford Handbook of Political Theory (Oxford: Oxford University Press); Robert E. Goodin and Philip Pettit (eds.) (1993) A Companion to Contemporary Political Philosophy (Oxford: Blackwell); Keith Dowding (2015) The Philosophy and Methods of Political Science (Palgrave).
Assessment
Essay (100%, 3000 words) in the LT.
Student performance results
(2018/19 - 2020/21 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 24.8 |
| Merit | 66.7 |
| Pass | 7.8 |
| Fail | 0.8 |
Key facts
Department: Government
Total students 2021/22: 36
Average class size 2021/22: 13
Controlled access 2021/22: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
